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How to book a guided or self guided active European or UK walking or cycling holiday with Sherpa Expeditions.

Trip Highlights

Visiting castles and taking side trips to experience the landscape further on foot

Trip Summary

The Scottish Highlands have long been a favoured destination for cyclists and walkers keen to experience the mountain peaks, shimmering lochs and pretty glens. During this week long trip, you will take the backroads and country paths where cycle touring is pleasurable. Enroute you will visit charming historic towns such as Dunkeld, and the peaceful lochside towns of Kenmore, Lochearnhead, and Killin. A rest day at Killin is included to allow you time to visit the Falls of Dochart, sail the Loch or walk up Ben Lawers. En route there are opportunities to take a forest walk or visit one of the many castles and ancient monuments found along the way.

Suitability

MODERATE – GRADE 3

The cycle is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of between 26 and 53km on undulating to mountainous terrain. The cycling is on low traffic side roads and is suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but not for children under 13 years of age. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Perth

Make your own way to Perth. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley. In the evening you will collect cycles and equipment, and there will be a route briefing.
Accommodation: Elegant 4 Star Victorian villa, all rooms ensuite.

Meals: Nil

Day 2 Cycle to Dunkeld 28 km/17.5 miles or 42 km/26 miles

Cycle two miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace, a treasure house of furniture, ivories, fine porcelain, needlework and the unique Vernis Martin. From there you cycle north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small Square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly restored Cathedral, construction of which began in 1318.
Accommodation: Family run small B&B with ensuite rooms. Breakfast is taken in the Conservatory overlooking the garden.

Meals: B

Day 3 Cycle to Aberfeldy 29 km/18 miles or 31 km/19 miles

You are never far from the swift flowing River Tay. Leave Dunkeld passing the Cathedral and follow the path along its north bank: join the quiet road northward to cross the river by an old railway bridge at Logierait. From there to Strathtay, a popular spot with canoeists and river rafters. Continue by the river to the small village of Weem. Only a short distance now to cross General Wade's Bridge into Aberfeldy. Visit the Distillery, the Water Mill or explore the beautiful walks in the “Birks of Aberfeldy”.
Accommodation: A stunning Edwardian Guesthouse overlooking the River Tay.

Meals: B

Day 4 Cycle to Killin 39 km/24 miles

Leave Aberfeldy by General Wade’s Bridge and stop to visit Castle Menzies, the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies, currently being restored. Past Drummond Forest to the conservation village of Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. Visit the Crannog Exhibition, which illustrates life on the Loch in the Bronze Age. By taking the south shore road you can enjoy to the full the unrivalled beauty of the Lochs and Bens on the way to Killin.
Accommodation: Two nights staying in a late Victorian country house offering excellent, 4 Star Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Overlooking the River Lochay, it has a private riverside garden with its own moorings and access to Loch Tay. There are spectacular views of the mountains from the house, including Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in Perthshire.

Meals: B

Day 5 Rest day Killin or a 53 km/35 miles round trip

Today can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can visit the Falls of Dochart, walk in the quiet countryside, or cycle to Ben Lawers visitor center (9.5km) and walk up Ben Lawers, Perthshire's highest mountain. Another option is to cycle to scenic Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon.

Meals: B

Day 6 Cycle alongside Earn Loch to Crieff 45 km/28 miles

Enjoy a traffic free cycle through Glen Ogle to reach the small lochside village of Lochearnhead. From there continue along the south shore of Loch Earn enjoying the beauty of the loch and Ben Vorlich to reach St Fillans at the eastern end of the Loch. Follow the valley of the river Earn through Comrie to arrive at Crieff. Perhaps visit the Glenturret Distillery and the ‘Famous Grouse Experience’ or the ‘Crieff Visitor Centre’.
Accommodation: Comfortable B&B accommodation in large and spacious rooms with ensuite facilities.

Meals: B

Day 7 Cycle to Perth 45 km/32 miles

Take the opportunity to visit the famous formal Italian gardens at ‘Drummond Castle Gardens’ which are just over 3 kilometres south of Crieff before an easy ride through quiet countryside to return to the riverside town of Perth.
Accommodation: Elegant 4 Star Victorian villa, all rooms ensuite.

Meals: B

Day 8 Arrangements end after breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

What's Included

7 full Scottish breakfasts

7 nights in 3 or 4 star guesthouses on a twin share basis with private facilities

Transfer of luggage between accommodation – one main bag and one small item of hand luggage per person with a total maximum weight of both bags of 20 kg per person.

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